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Colossians 3:22-4:1
In Colossians 3:22–4:1, the Apostle Paul teaches proper conduct for those who are in a role of authority as well as for those who are in a role of being a bondservant. A bondservant, during biblical times, is a person who has voluntarily presented themselves to another and dedicated themselves to that person as a servant. This definition may sound a little different for us today but is basically the same thing as the relationship we have as an employee to our employer. There are some differences, such as the bondservant of biblical times lived with their master and were dependent on them and under their authority twenty-four hours a day. The main point that we need to understand in being a bondservant is that the bondservant dedicated themselves to serving their master and is a much different role than the typical view we have of a slave being forced labor. Another main difference is that in biblical times the punishment for disobedience was much different than it is today in the workplace as the master held an ownership of the bondservant.
The common denominator in the Apostle Paul’s teaching is the respect that each should have for the other. Just as today in the workplace, the employee and the employer should treat each other with respect. Paul states in Ephesians 6:5–9 (NKJV), Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.
“And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.”
This is a command of how we should treat each other in a work environment followed by the promise of inheritance in heaven.
There are a lot of people that do not enjoy their job. Many people may feel as if they are not appreciated for the work they do. Some people are good bosses and others are not so highly respected; either way, we should complete our work as if we are working for the Lord. Our reward is our inheritance in heaven, and we should strive to reflect Christ in our daily lives whether in work, home, or play. And for those who are the “bosses”, they should treat those under them with respect and fairness as they too have a “Boss” in heaven watching over them as well. We should strive each day to be a reflection of Christ in all we do, in work, home, and play.
Dear Lord,
I pray that You will give us all the strength and humility to reflect You in our work lives as we may encounter situations that prompt us to do otherwise. Please help us to be respectful of those who are in authority over us as well as to those who are under us in our positions of employment. We also ask Lord that You will fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that we may conduct ourselves in reflection of Christ in all our lives, not just at work, but at home and in our recreational activities as well. In Jesus name I pray, amen.